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Pennsylvania Mine and the Snake River Task Force

Pennsylvania Mine and the Snake River Task Force. History. 1985-89 – Early acid rock drainage and wetlands investigations 1989 – US Forest Service Special Use Permit for penstock to treatment bldg 1990 – Hydro powered limestone pretreatment system installed, 319 funds

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Pennsylvania Mine and the Snake River Task Force

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  1. Pennsylvania Mine and the Snake River Task Force

  2. History 1985-89 – Early acid rock drainage and wetlands investigations 1989 – US Forest Service Special Use Permit for penstock to treatment bldg 1990 – Hydro powered limestone pretreatment system installed, 319 funds 1993 – Following regulatory delays, passive treatment pilot project approved 1993 – EPA determines discharging abandoned mines are point sources subject to perpetual permitting requirements

  3. 1994 – Bio-cells constructed through 319 and volunteers 1995 – State Attorney General insists Division of Minerals and Geology not activate system or continue work due to liability concerns 1997 – Good Samaritan legislation proposed, DMG prepared with revised design. 1998 – Good Sam fails, work cancelled. 1998 - Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Arapahoe Basin snowmaking released 1999 – USFS Record of Decision on A Basin, significant water quality requirements, including discussion of potential mine cleanup.

  4. 2000 – Trout Unlimited & Colorado Wild Appeal to District Court and Water Quality Control Commission 2000 – USFS initiates Snake River Watershed Task Force (SRTF) – “The mission of the SRTF is to improve water quality in the Snake River watershed. The Task Force will focus in particular on identifying, evaluating, and implementing opportunities to reduce heavy metal concentrations of concern. “ 2001 – Appeal dismissed, hard work of SRTF begins!

  5. 2002-2003 EPA Funding Environmental Assessment: Phase 1: Initial Property Screening on over 250 patented mining claims Phase 2: Conceptual reclamation plans for 3-5 prioritized sites Liability Analysis Peru Creek BrownfieldsAssessmentSummit County Government

  6. Brownfields Cleanup Voluntary Cleanup Application Funding Partners Design - 2005 Construction -2006 Shoe Basin Mine Reclamation

  7. Peru Creek Brownfields Project Outcomes: • Acquisition of “clean” parcels as Open Space • Over 400 acres purchased and over 20 transactions as a direct result of BrownfieldsAssessment. • several claims currently being negotiated including Continental Divide National Scenic Trail properties. • Protective Covenant on approximately 180 acres of claims, including the Pennsylvania Mine allows reclamation activities and prohibits residential uses. • Shoe Basin Mine Reclamation. • Pennsylvania Mine: identification of liability issues and potential mechanisms to address contamination.

  8. Recent activities in Peru Creek Basin/ Penn Mine: • Numerous studies to characterize sources and quantify impacts of metals contamination. • Snake River Watershed Plan • Identified potential sites for reclamation • Initiated work to secure 319 funding for reclamation projects • Delaware Mine • Silver Spoon Mine • Brittle Silver Mine and Mill • St. Johns Mine and Mill site. • Pennsylvania Mine: Agreement between EPA, State of Colorado and Summit County to initiate cleanup activities. • 2012 Opening of two portals into the Penn Mine and underground investigations.

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